The one critique that's 'burned' in Keith Urban's memory

Now, we all know Keith Urban can dish out some tough criticism as a judge on "American Idol."

But the country crooner told Conan O'Brien Tuesday he's gotten his fair share of disapproval in the past.

It all started when 9-year-old Keith decided to audition for a talent show in Australia called Pot of Gold, and one judge in particular went straight for the throat.

"He said, 'I desperately encourage you to escape the mediocrity, get out of country Western and get into some real music. Otherwise, you'll end up sounding like Dolly Parton and absolutely useless.' And he said, 'Kindly learn to sing in tune because you're intrinsically a good musician.' And I remember saying to Mom and Dad, 'What does intrinsically mean?'" said Keith Urban on "Conan."

Poor little Keith! He confessed that, to this day, that judge's comments are still burned in his memory, calling it a "crucifying critique."

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The one critique that's 'burned' in Keith Urban's memory

NEW ORLEANS, LA - AUGUST 27: Keith Urban is interviewed by press as he arrives at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on August 27, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

GOOD MORNING AMERICA - Keith Urban performs live as part of the Summer Concert Series on 'Good Morning America,' 7/9/14, airing on the ABC Television Network. (Photo by Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty Images)

GOOD MORNING AMERICA - Keith Urban performs live as part of the Summer Concert Series on 'Good Morning America,' 7/9/14, airing on the ABC Television Network. (Photo by Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty Images)

GOOD MORNING AMERICA - Keith Urban performs live as part of the Summer Concert Series on 'Good Morning America,' 7/9/14, airing on the ABC Television Network. (Photo by Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty Images)

GOOD MORNING AMERICA - Keith Urban performs live as part of the Summer Concert Series on 'Good Morning America,' 7/9/14, airing on the ABC Television Network. (Photo by Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 11: Country music singer/songwriter Keith Urban Performs On ABC's 'Good Morning America' at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on July 11, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

NASHVILLE, TN - MAY 06: Keith Urban performs on stage during Keith Urban's Fifth Annual 'We're All 4 The Hall' Benefit Concert at the Bridgestone Arena on May 6, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum)

NASHVILLE, TN - MAY 06: Keith Urban performs on stage during Keith Urban's Fifth Annual 'We're All 4 The Hall' Benefit Concert at the Bridgestone Arena on May 6, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum)

NASHVILLE, TN - MAY 06: Keith Urban performs on stage during Keith Urban's Fifth Annual 'We're All 4 The Hall' Benefit Concert at the Bridgestone Arena on May 6, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum)

LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 06: Singer Keith Urban arrives at the 49th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino on April 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)

LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 06: Recording artist RaeLynn (L) takes a selfie with recording artist Keith Urban during the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christopher Polk/ACMA2014/Getty Images for ACM)

LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 06: Singer Keith Urban performs onstage during the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)